2018 Archive

January

LACC researcher publishes piece in WaPo correcting the record on MS-13 following State of the Union
Jose Miguel Cruz, director of research at the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center and an expert on Central American gangs, responded to President Trump’s comments on MS-13 during his State of the Union address in a powerful opinion piece in today’s Washington Post. Click the headline above to read more.
Foreign policy leaders discuss state of the world in 2018
From leaders of nationally renowned think tanks to former ambassadors and journalists from The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico, some of the brightest minds from across the country came together at FIU to discuss global relations and U.S. foreign policy. State of the World 2018 was the inaugural Dorothea Green Lecture Series event and the first conference of its kind in Miami. Click the link above to read more.
Senior Fellow David Kramer featured in NY Times article on World Economic Forum
On the heels of the Green School’s State of the World 2018 conference, Senior Fellow David Kramer was quoted in an important article in The New York Times about President Trump and the World Economic Forum. We are so proud to have David as part of our Green School team!
State of the World 2018 video now available online
The inaugural event of the Dorothea Green Lecture Series – State of the World 2018 – brought together leading experts, policymakers and current or former U.S. officials to discuss the most pressing issues affecting the globe. All sessions of the day-long conference are now available on the FIU website. Click the headline above and you will find videos for the morning sessions and afternoon sessions.
FIU, Miami-Dade State Attorney partner on LGBTQ hate crimes
To help police and prosecutors better tackle the issue – and improve services to victims – FIU’s Department of Criminal Justice has partnered with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office and the Miami-Dade Police Department on a two-year project to study LGBTQ hate crimes in the county. Funded by a $500,000 grant from the United State Department of Justice, researchers will interview crime victims, police detectives and prosecutors, as well as review hundreds of case files.


February

Faculty panel tackles tough questions on gun violence
In the wake of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead, the Green School hosted a panel of faculty experts from criminal justice, law, mental health, public health and public policy to address what some say has become a uniquely American phenomenon – mass shootings on school campuses, in movie theaters and other public spaces. Click the headline above to view the entire event online.
Losing trust in the world: Holocaust scholar on war, genocide
Holocaust scholar John K. Roth has reflected on the power of trust in the face of war and genocide throughout his career. Recently named the Suzanne R. and Dr. Lawrence M. Fishman Scholar in Residence for FIU’s Holocaust Studies Initiative, Roth spoke with FIU News about the importance of maintaining trust, particularly in times that challenge our belief in what is good in the world.
What is the green economy and why should you care?
The five Nordic countries are often considered at the forefront of adopting “green economic” policies – those that aim for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Representatives from the Nordic countries, including Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter, will discuss innovative policy approaches to sustainability during an event on Feb. 9.We spoke with Norwegian Ambassador Kåre R. Aas about what the green economy is all about and how the U.S. could learn from the Nordic model.
White House names FIU Green School board chair to key post
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Green School Advisory Board Chair Eliot Pedrosa to a key position as the United States Alternate Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB.) The IDB works to improve lives in Latin American and the Caribbean through financial and technical support for countries working to reduce poverty and inequality; improve health and education; and advance infrastructure.

March

Public Administration, Criminal Justice departments announce new names
Two Green School departments have officially changed their names to reflect the new directions, degree offerings and numerous research topics that have expanded in recent years.
International panel discusses Balfour Declaration
A panel of experts from around the world recently came together at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU for an in-depth conversation exploring the legacy of the Balfour Declaration, a public statement issued by the British government during World War I.
FIU Model UN continues to shine in 2018  
FIU’s Model UN team remains one of the top five teams in its circuit, ranked #4 in North America for the fifth year in a row by BestDelegate.com.
More than 1,000 attend vigil to mourn victims of pedestrian bridge tragedy
Led by the FIU Brass Choir playing Don Gillis’s soulful arrangement of “Just a Closer Walk,” students walked shoulder-to-shoulder with faculty, staff, alumni and community members in a somber procession that stretched half a mile as more than 1,000 mourners paid their respects to the victims of last week’s pedestrian bridge tragedy at a vigil at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Bridge collapses, university shocked and saddened
On Monday, March 19, at 1:47 p.m. we will have a moment of silence to remember the lives lost. Please join from wherever you are at that moment. A blood drive will take place on Tuesday, March 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lot 33 (adjacent to the Graham Center Ballrooms. The Student Government Association has scheduled a vigil at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in the Graham Center ballrooms. Please continue to check news.fiu.edu for updates.
Alumna creates scholarship to help students study abroad, transform their communities
Studying abroad for one semester changed alumna Stephany Feijoo’s life. To give back to FIU and help fellow Panthers experience a journey like the one she had, Feijoo created a scholarship fund to help students participate in the international exchange program. She has pledged to give a total of $10,000 over five years, with one student each semester receiving $1,000 to study abroad through the program.
Master’s in Global Affairs ranked among best in the world
Foreign Policy magazine has named FIU’s Master of Arts in Global Affairs one of the top 40 programs in the world for policy careers in international relations. The magazine’s 2018 Ivory Tower survey of more than 1,500 international relations scholars in the U.S. places FIU in the company of top programs at Harvard and Yale – and ahead of prestigious universities like Arizona State and Boston University. FIU is the only Florida school to appear on the list.
MacArthur Foundation awards Department of Criminal Justice $1.7 million to study prosecutor behavior
The MacArthur Foundation’s grant will fund a project, led by criminal justice professor Besiki Kutateladze, to study prosecutor behavior and reduce racial and ethnic disparities. The grant is the largest ever awarded to FIU by the MacArthur Foundation.
Jaffer family endows Center for Muslim World Studies at FIU
To promote greater understanding of the global Muslim community, Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer, longtime supporters of Middle East studies and other programs at FIU, have donated $2 million to create a Center for Muslim World Studies at the university. The first-of-its-kind in South Florida, the center will be named the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies.
FIU experts analyze gun violence
The tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left Florida grieving. It also jumpstarted debates – both local and national — about gun violence, policy change and safety in our schools and communities. To shed light on these topics, a group of FIU professors and practitioners recently came together for an interdisciplinary discussion, analyzing the numerous aspects intertwined with gun violence, from public policy and mental health to medicine and law enforcement.

April

Polish Ambassador delivers keynote speech at FIU conference
For a conference celebrating 100 years of Polish-American relations, Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek visited FIU and delivered a presentation exploring the topic.
‘Madam Secretary’ captivates audience with talk on new book
With wit, humility and candor, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright captivated a standing room only crowd in Coral Gables last week during a stop to promote her new book, “Fascism: A Warning.” Albright’s visit was co-hosted by the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy in collaboration with Books & Books, HarperCollins and the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ.
Sen. Rubio cites Met Center’s Prosperity Study in recent Herald op-ed
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio cited the Metropolitan Center’s Prosperity Study in a recent statement about the new federal tax law that he says will help Miami’s low-income working families. Click the headline above to read the article.
What you need to know about social media, privacy and democracy
Social media has revolutionized communication. But, it has the potential to affect much more. Do these platforms help increase democracy? How can social media sites’ collection of user data impact society? And what can we do to protect our privacy? To explore these complex topics, the Green School hosted a star-studded panel discussion featuring a former deputy editorial page editor at The New York Times, the current president of the Business and Human Rights Group and FIU experts.
Conversation with Madeleine Albright now available online
If you missed your chance to see the legendary “Madam Secretary” Madeleine K. Albright on Friday evening, good news! The entire event is available online for viewing. Secretary Albright captivated the audience with her wit and candid observations. Check it out!
Green School recognizes students at Spring 2018 Awards Ceremony
The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs celebrated its best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students from each department on April 12, 2018.
Educating a generation of cyber warriors
Check out this FIU Magazine article featuring the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy as one of FIU’s leading programs preparing students to combat cybersecurity issues. Click the link above to learn more!
Green School Magazine now available online
From our students earning incredible internships and jobs to our faculty leading cutting-edge research, 2017 was a year filled with many accomplishments for the Green School. Explore these stories and many more in the latest issue of our Green School Magazine. Access the magazine online by clicking the link above.
MPA alumna to serve as first female fire chief of Fort Lauderdale
An FIU alumna has been appointed fire chief of Fort Lauderdale – the first woman to serve in this role in the 106-year history of the city’s fire department

May

Former president of Costa Rica to teach at Green School
Former Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera has been named a distinguished visiting professor at FIU’s Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC), shortly after turning over the reins of the country he led for the past four years. The move is a kind of homecoming for Solís, who served as a researcher with LACC from 2004 to 2008 and also worked with FIU’s Center for the Administration of Justice, both part of the Green School.
Model UN ranks 3rd in North America
Our Model United Nations team has just been ranked third in North America for the 2017-2018 year by BestDelegate.com. Congratulations to our outstanding team on this achievement! Learn more by clicking on the link above.
Green School announces 2018-19 Broad Fellowship Recipients
The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs is pleased to announce the recipients of the Morris and Anita Broad Research Fellowship Awards for 2018-2019. The purpose of the fellowship is to provide FIU faculty members and doctoral students at early stages in their careers with an opportunity to supplement other resources for enhancing their research.
Dean Stack honored with Doctor of Humane Letters at Stonehill College
Founding Dean John F. Stack, Jr. was honored this weekend by his alma mater, Stonehill College, with a Doctor of Humane Letters during its 2018 Commencement ceremonies. Dean Stack was recognized as a “teacher and scholar, leader and innovator” who has “devoted his career to the highest principles of education, service, and global engagement.” Read more by clicking the headline above.
Historic gathering of security officials sheds light on hemispheric issues
Leading security officials gathered for the 3rd Annual Hemispheric Security Conference to analyze and discuss U.S policies toward Latin American and the Caribbean. Read the five key take-aways from the event.
FIU celebrates inaugural commencement ceremony in Qingdao, China
Congratulations to our inaugural class of graduates in Qingdao, China! Through the Green School’s Department of Modern Languages and in partnership with Qingdao University, FIU offers a dual degree program in Spanish that focuses on business and cultural issues in Latin America and Spain. Click above to read President Rosenberg’s blog post on the inaugural commencement ceremony in Qingdao!
Green School Spring Newsletter
Check out the latest news from the Green School, including a visit by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, our MAGA program ranking as one of the top programs of its kind in the world and our incredible graduates making it to the finish line at commencement this week! Click the link above to learn more.
LACC workshop helps K-12 teachers celebrate student diversity through art
Years ago, art educator Rebecca Hinson realized there was a problem with the way she was teaching. The textbooks she was using only touched on European art. But most of her students were from Latin America and the Caribbean. She decided to write her own art books, exploring the art of the region. Recently, the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center brought Hinson to FIU to discuss ways teachers can help their students learn by connecting the material with their native culture.

June

World Bank unveils flagship report on Latin America at mayor’s conference
With a worldwide audience in the tens of thousands, the World Bank unveiled a pivotal report on the future of urban economies in Latin America and the Caribbean during a conference of mayors that FIU has hosted for more than two decades. Streamed live on Facebook for the first time, opening day of the 24th Inter-American Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities drew an online audience of more than 140,000 – many of them local government and non-profit officials from around Latin America.
Global indigenous student group hosts event to honor killer whales
Recently, the student Global Indigenous Group organized an event featuring members of the Lummi Nation of Washington State, a Native American tribe that set out on a journey across the country transporting a killer whale totem pole. The totem pole is part of a campaign to bring Lolita – the killer whale at the Miami Seaquarium – back home to the Salish Sea. Learn more by clicking on the link above.
FIU Model UN team forges international partnership with sister team in Israel
FIU’s Model UN team went on the trip of a lifetime recently to build a stronger relationship with Tel Aviv University’s Model UN team. The FIU Model UN team hopes to send 16 students to the TLVMUN 2019 conference hosted by Tel Aviv University in August, in hopes of further engaging with the Israeli university and with the Israeli culture.
Consular Corps of Miami recognized at Green School lunch
To recognize the critical role the Consular Corps of Miami plays in advancing global dialogue throughout South Florida and beyond, the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs recently hosted a lunch in honor of the corps at the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum. Nearly 60 members of the corps, along with others from FIU and the community, attended the event, including Secretary Nabil J. Achkar, Acting Dean Marsha Renfurm and Ambassador Volker Anding.
What you need to know about protecting your home in the age of disasters
Richard Olson, a professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations and director of the FIU Extreme Events Institute, is featured in a special documentary on what ordinary people can do to make their homes more disaster-resilient.
Green School hosts graduation dinner for MAGA class of 2018
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Global Affairs (MAGA) program have landed some prestigious jobs since graduation. The largest graduating class of the program, this year’s MAGA alum have found positions at Royal Caribbean, Rockwell Collins, U.S. Department of Justice and many other top organizations.
Jaffer Center hosts First Annual Iftar Dinner at FIU
The Jaffer Center for Muslim World Studies hosted the First Annual Iftar Dinner, a celebratory meal in observance of Ramadan this week. The event was a community gathering of Muslims and non-Muslims and featured talks by Dr. Mohsin Jaffer, Dr. Mohiaddin Mesbahi and others on the traditions of the holy month of Ramadan. To view the video and photos from the event, click the headline above.
Green School to participate in FIU-UNESCO partnership
To advance water sciences and improve sustainable water management in developing countries, FIU and UNESCO have established the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Security. The Green School’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center will engage in the project to help address water security issues. The chair is housed in FIU’s Institute of Water and Environment.

July

Green School co-hosts program with Florida Grand Opera and Coral Gables Congregational Church
Opera voices echoed through the halls of the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ as they gave the audience a glimpse of Daniel Catán’s critically acclaimed opera, Florencia en el Amazonas. “Metamorphosis: Reflections on the Human Journey” featured a unique spoken word program set against the vibrant and luminous music of Catán’s masterpiece, which was the first Spanish-language opera commissioned by a major U.S. opera company. Click the link above to learn more.
MAGA alumna’s life mission: to spread awareness about human trafficking
When Karis Williams was 15 years old she watched a human trafficking documentary that changed her life. She decided she would dedicate herself to rescuing people. After serving in the military and graduating from the Master of Arts in Global Affairs (MAGA) program, she started a project as an anti-human trafficking consultant. She conducts country-specific research on human trafficking policies, works with international organizations and speaks at events in Miami and around the world.
Anthropology professor guest edits special Miami issue of ‘Latino Studies’
Sarah Mahler, an associate professor in the Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, has been researching the similarities and differences among Latinos in Miami since 2000. She recently guest edited an academic journal focusing on Miami and its Latino population. The special issue features articles covering a wide range of topics, from Latino perception of other Latino groups in the city to voting preferences of various Latino communities. Learn more by clicking the link above.
Green School researchers unveil landmark study on Puerto Ricans in Florida
Recently, Professors Eduardo Gamarra and Jorge Duany discussed findings from a first-of-its-kind study they conducted on Puerto Ricans in Florida. They unveiled their research at the “Nuestro Futuro” Sympsoium, which was a collaboration between FIU, the Puerto Rican Alliance of Florida and the Puerto Rican Leadership Council of South Florida. Learn more about the event and the study by clicking on the link above.
Graduate student interns at United Way Worldwide
Alexandra Thulin, a student in the Master of Arts in Global Affairs (MAGA) program, is interning at United Way Worldwide (UWW) this summer through the Washington Center. Among other projects, she’s currently developing recommendations for the UWW Disaster Relief Protocol Guide. One of the highlights of her internship so far: getting to participate in the United Way’s regional VP retreat that took place in Alexandria, Virginia. Learn more about her internship by clicking on the link above.
Green School Senior Fellow discusses Trump-Putin summit
David Kramer, a senior fellow in the Green School’s Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy, is a noted expert on Russia and recently authored a book on Vladimir Putin. This week, as the summit between President Trump and Putin nears, Kramer has been called upon to comment in the Washington Post and on CNN’s Don Lemon Show. To see what he had to say, click the headline above.
Former Turkish diplomat researching Venezuelan foreign policy at FIU
Before becoming a Ph.D. student in international relations and a master’s student in Latin American and Caribbean studies, Imdat Oner was an entry-level officer with the Turkish Foreign Service stationed in Caracas, Venezuela.His latest research analyzes the relationship and the similarities between the two countries. To learn more click on the link above.
Russian opposition leader visits FIU for film screening and conversation
Despite the risk of harm – even death – pro-democracy activists in Russia continue to voice their opposition to the regime of Vladimir Putin. Opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza recently visited FIU for a screening of a documentary he directed on the life of his friend and fellow opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in 2015 on a bridge near the Kremlin. To learn more about the documentary and the event, click on the link above.
MAGA students support economic development, empower women in India
Students in the Master of Arts in Global Affairs program teamed up with undergraduate business students and their professor David Wernick for a trip to Bandhwari, a remote, impoverished village in India. The students helped women in the village design tote bags the students will sell on-campus and at boutiques. The students also volunteered in classrooms and worked at a shelter for children who had been abandoned and found living in the streets.
Graduate student earns NSF fellowship
Vierelina Fernandez, who is earning a combined M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean studies and Ph.D. in international relations, has received a coveted National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. Congratulations on this achievement! To learn more about the NSF Fellowship and this year’s FIU student and alumni fellows, click the link above.

August

Political science major interns with Senator Charles E. Schumer
While interning at Senator Charles E. Schumer’s office, Marcus Frias got to attend legislative briefings, compose in-depth policy memos and write reports on issues such as the environment, housing and technology. He realized he wants to continue working in D.C. and give a voice to underrepresented communities. He completed this internship through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s internship program. Learn more by clicking the link above.
Latin American and Caribbean Center earns national designation
The Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC) has reaffirmed its place as one of the leading centers of its kind in the nation, once again earning a designation from the U.S. Department of Education as a Title VI National Resource Center (NRC) on Latin America and the Caribbean. LACC will receive more than $2 million for the Title VI program and the Foreign Language and Areas Studies Fellowship.
Road to FIU ’22: Alex Anacki
Alex Anacki was only in 4th grade when he took on his local legislators. Now, he’s at the Green School studying political science. Anacki – a National Merit Scholar and member of FIU’s best freshman class in university history – said this experience was a turning point that encouraged him to become more involved in the political process.
Green School Fall 2018 Newsletter
This summer has been one for the history books. Two programs within the Green School have earned national rankings as top programs in their fields. Our professors continue to produce cutting-edge research, with two professors recently releasing a first-of-its-kind study on Puerto Rico. And our students and alumni have kept working hard to make a positive change in the world. Learn about these stories and more in our Fall 2018 newsletter by clicking on the link above.
LACC welcomes former Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis
Luis Solis, immediate past president of Costa Rica, has joined the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center as a Distinguished Scholar and Professor for academic year 2018-2019. It’s a welcome back to FIU for Solis who in 2000 was a Fulbright Fellow with LACC. Professor Solis will work with LACC’s affiliated faculty members, students and members of the community to further knowledge and understanding of Costa Rica and the Central/South American region in general.
Welcome to Fall 2018!
On Sunday, Aug. 19, President Mark B. Rosenberg shared the following message with the FIU community.Welcome to fall! Here we are again at one of the most exciting times of year – the new semester lays before us full of hope and possibility! Make no mistake: We have a great fall ahead of us, because we have a lot to be proud of!Click above to read more.
From Tango to politics: One student’s journey of discovery during LACC’s Argentina study abroad trip
From taking Tango lessons, exploring historic sites in Argentina and learning more about Latin American politics, sophomore international relations major Isabelle Brito had a trip of a lifetime during the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center’s Argentina study abroad program. In this piece, she shares her experiences during the trip and reflects on how she discovered her area of interest as a scholar in Argentina.
K-12 teachers explore memory and immigration during LACC summer institute
Educators from Miami-Dade County gathered for a workshop on Cuban exile art dedicated to inspiring teachers to implement Latin American culture in their classes. Each person decorated boxes with various pieces of paper, magazine cut outs and artwork to reflect their personal version of memory, immigration and cultural identity. The activity was part of the fourth annual Summer Art Institute, co-sponsored by the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center as part of its Title VI grant.
Grad student researching role of women as guerillas
Battles, revolts and guerillas are often associated with men. But, women across the globe have played significant roles in wars, rebellions and politics. They don’t always get included in the history books, though. Vierelina Fernandez is out to change that. A graduate student earning a joint master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and a Ph.D. in international relations, Fernandez is researching how women in guerillas across Latin America act as political agents.
International relations graduate program named among the best in U.S.
Based on its faculty expertise, contributions to research and many joint degree options, FIU’s master’s in international relations has been named “Best in State for 2018.” The ranking, published by InternationalRelationsEDU.org, notes that the list includes “some of the most influential IR programs in the world.” FIU is listed among top programs such as those at Stanford, Yale, Georgetown and Columbia universities.
Green School faculty members recognized for leading some of FIU’s emerging preeminent programs
Frank Mora, the director of our Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, and Randy Pestana, who co-founded Cybersecurity@FIU, were among university faculty members recognized for working hard to get their programs designated as FIU Preeminent and Emerging Preeminent Programs. Congratulations! Click the link above to learn more about these programs and the celebration.
Doctoral students recognized as Worlds Ahead Graduates for Summer 2018
Commitment, passion and, yes, true grit. That’s what it takes to be named an FIU Worlds Ahead Graduate. Ph.D. students Zenel Garcia and Andrea Marie Headley earned the prestigious distinction this semester and were recognized during their commencement ceremony. These Panthers went above and beyond the call of duty and have shown tenacity and dedication throughout their time at FIU. Learn more about them by clicking the link above.

September

Former president of Costa Rica becomes visiting scholar at LACC, discusses future of the Americas
Getting to learn from a professor who is also the former president of a country can sound like a far-fetched dream for students. At FIU, it’s a reality. Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, who served as president of Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018, has begun his appointment as a distinguished visiting scholar at the Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center. To celebrate his arrival, LACC hosted a special conversation with Solís on the future of the Americas. Click the link above to learn more.
Future transfer students visit Turquoise Mountain exhibit and learn about careers in the humanities
Students gazed at hand-made, turquoise-colored bowls. They stared at a necklace set with Afghan lapiz lazuli stone. And they watched videos featuring Afghan artisans telling their stories. This past summer, 60 students – all from Miami Dade College and approaching graduation – experienced the Turquoise Mountain exhibition on display at the Green School’s lobby. The campus visit was part of The Humanities Edge program, which focuses on helping transfer students majoring in humanities fields.
FIU to host annual conference focused on cybersecurity workforce outreach
FIU is playing a key role in educating the next generation of highly-skilled cybersecurity practitioners to protect and safeguard important data, systems, and networks. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected FIU’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy as a partner to host the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Conference and Expo on Nov. 6 – 7, 2018, in Miami.
FIU among top 100 public universities in U.S. News and World Report
For the first time in its history, FIU is ranked as one of the top 100 public universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking represents a 22 spot improvement among public universities. The number 100 ranking 2019 Best Colleges comes on the heels of FIU placing number two among public universities in the state, according to the Florida Board of Governors’ performance metrics.
Green School students among record number of Panthers to land D.C. summer internships
Green School students were among the largest group of FIU interns who worked and lived in Washington, D.C. this summer. Students got to meet governmental officials, go bowling at the White House and attend D.C. events. Some of these students also connected their experiences with academics by taking courses like Effective Governmental Communication, taught by Brian Fonseca, the director of the Green School’s Jack D. Gordon Institute. Learn more by clicking on the link above.

October

Gordon Institute helps students earn cybersecurity certificate through innovative program
The Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy has created a new badge system that allows any FIU student to boost their resumes and equip themselves for competitive jobs by earning a cybersecurity certificate.
Professor shares response to 2018 Nobel Peace Prize awardees
Susanne Zwingel, an Associate Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations, discusses the recent announcement of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to a survivor and a doctor fighting against rape as a weapon of war.
No easy answers in U.S. immigration debate
Advocates, scholars and students came together to discuss the future of immigration in the U.S. The Forum on Inclusive Immigration Reform was part of the Dorothea Green Lecture Series and hosted in collaboration with three Ph.D. students from Global and Sociocultural Studies: Jack Maguire, Maria Barbero and Katrina Livingston.
Student researchers tackle U.S. immigration policy with forum
Three doctoral students in Global and Sociocultural Studies have organized a half-day public forum on immigration reform in collaboration with the Green School. They are researching immigration policies in Miami, youth migration experiences and the well-being of men transferred between immigrant prisons in the U.S., among other topics.
Religious Studies professor recognized for community garden project in Brownsville
Religious Studies professor Iqbal Akhtar and his wife were recently selected as one of the winners of Miami Foundation’s sixth annual Public Space Challenge. They plan to transform a vacant lot and dumping site in their neighborhood into a community garden. The garden will be used to educate the community about urban farming. It will also provide access to healthy foods for low-income households while promoting healthy eating habits.
Asian Studies announces Omar K. Carrion scholarship recipients for 2018-2019
This year’s Omar K. Carrion Award winner is Asian Studies major Sofiya Burmistrova. The runner-ups are Adriana Schiavo and Hedda Stokkland. The scholarship will help the recipients cover costs related to academics, such as tuition and course materials. Congratulations to all the winners! This scholarship program started in memory of an outstanding Asian Studies alumnus, Omar K. Carrion, after he passed away in a car accident several years ago. Learn more by clicking on the link above.
Green School faculty, Advisory Council members share advice with new M.A. in Global Affairs students
As part of a special welcome dinner, students starting the M.A. in Global Affairs program this semester got expert advice on leadership skills, perseverance and reaching success from a panel of distinguished Green School and community leaders. Learn more by clicking the link above.

November

CasaCuba: Think tank to focus on Cuban heritage
María Carla Chicuén, director of FIU’s CasaCuba, authored a piece on the project’s vision to become “the most consequential, global think tank focused on Cuba and the Cuban people” in The Miami Herald recently. CasaCuba is a new initiative at FIU to build a leading intellectual and cultural center that will foster global understanding of Cuban affairs and culture through education, research, discussion and the arts.
Interfaith conversation sheds light on how to foster friendships across religious groups
To break down barriers and combat stereotypes, every year the Green School hosts an interfaith community event featuring religious leaders and scholars. This year, the Green School teamed up with a newly created community group in Miami-Dade County, Interfaith Youth Miami, an initiative started by local high school students to promote understanding and foster new friendships between various faith communities.
Green School Senior Fellow pens op-ed on America and Europe’s shared values
America and Europe share core values and a love of healthy disagreement and debate, but the deeper trans-Atlantic bond lies in a dance between myth and dream set to the rhythm of freedom. Green School Senior Fellow Saif Y. Ishoof wrote this op-ed for the Miami Herald about the importance of the transatlantic relationship to the promotion of freedom and pluralism throughout the globe.
Green School faculty to study the impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico’s health care system
The National Institutes of Health has awarded professors Mark Padilla, Nelson Varas-Diaz and Kevin Grove, all housed within the Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies, a $423,555 grant to study the massive collapse in Puerto Rico’s health care services after Hurricane Maria and how it impacted the lives of those who survived the hurricane but needed medical attention to treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
Director of Gordon Institute pens op-ed on future of cybersecurity for Miami Herald
Brian Fonseca, director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and one of the key organizers of this week’s NICE Conference, penned an op-ed in the Miami Herald about the growing demand for cybersecurity skills and what this means for higher education, industry and government leaders.
Agustín R. Arellano, Sr. and his family donate $1 million to FIU’s CasaCuba
Local construction business leader and member of the FIU Foundation Board of Directors Agustín R. Arellano, Sr. and his family have donated $1 million to CasaCuba. The gift will count towards a $50 million fundraising goal for the design, construction and operational endowment of a 50,000-square-foot facility for CasaCuba on FIU’s campus. The facility will harness the university’s academic assets to build a leading center that will promote global understanding on Cuban affairs and culture.

December

Spanish language students in Qingdao score 2nd in national contest
Students from FIU’s Spanish language program at Qingdao University placed second in a prestigious national contest in Beijing – the first time any university from Qingdao has earned an award at the event. The students – who are working toward a dual degree in Spanish – competed against 38 teams, ending just six points shy of the first place winner. The contest included a live performance in Spanish of an original script based on the hit TV show Friends.

Executive director of U.S. Department of Education initiative learns about innovative LEAP program
During a visit to FIU, Executive Director for the U.S. Department of Education’s White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Aimee Viana explored the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice’s trailblazing Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program and its special focus on combining theory and practice – and helping students earn credits for their degrees while learning in the field.

Green School winter 2018 newsletter now available
This Fall 2018 semester was one for the history books. From former Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis Rivera officially beginning his appointment as a distinguished visiting scholar at LACC to faculty earning major grants for groundbreaking research projects and leading scholars visiting campus to partake in great conversations with our FIU community, the Green School has lots of news to share!

Analyzing Latin American history through heavy metal music
What is one of the best ways to learn about politics and history in Latin America? Through, heavy metal music, of course. During the fall semester Nelson Varas-Diaz — professor of Global and Sociocultural Studies — introduced FIU’s first heavy metal music class and is proving that heavy metal music in the region unlocks a whole lot more about Latin America than you’d expect.

Nicaraguan student opposition leader discusses political crisis with faculty experts
Lesther Alemán, a 20-year-old student opposition leader in Nicaragua, recently visited FIU and joined a panel of faculty experts for a conversation about the crisis raging in his country.

Green School students named Worlds Ahead Graduates for Fall 2018 Commencement
This fall semester, two undergraduate students in the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, Sara Bedoya and Brian Lugo were recognized as Worlds Ahead Graduates during their commencement ceremony as panthers who helped their communities thrive and become better.

Study Examines What Prosecutors Think About Success, Racial Disparities, and Community Engagement
FIU, in partnership with Loyola University Chicago, is implementing a two-year project with four prosecutor’s offices in Chicago, Jacksonville, Milwaukee, and Tampa. The project stems from a growing recognition that prosecutors need to become more data-driven and strategic to ensure effectiveness and fairness. Funded by a $1.7 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the project is led by FIU criminal justice professor Besiki Kutateladze.